Intro/News from a Lurker

Ladies:

I found this board in December 2003, shortly after my first pap smear after a cone biopsy came back abnormal. Here's my story:

June, 2003: Went in for routine annual physical, pap smear, etc.

July, 2003: Dr. called and told me I had HSIL, and needed to see a gyno.

July, 2003: Saw new gyno, he did a colposcopy, said my cervix was "shockingly normal" for someone whose pap smear said she was "one cell layer away from cancer."

August, 2003: Had cone biopsy, showed inflammation, with changes consistent with HPV.

December, 2003: First pap after cone biopsy came back with LSIL (low grade abnormalities, or CIN I)

January, 2004: Gyno made remark: "I don't understand where this is coming from, because I can't find anything when I look." Made my gyno so crazy with questions and worrying that he offered to refer me to an oncologyst/gynocologyst up at the Huntsman Cancer Center here in Salt Lake City, Utah. BEST THING I COULD HAVE DONE!!!

February, 2004: Saw onco/gyno. EVERYONE I talked to up there affirmed that I was "wise" to check this out and get a second opinion. They did another colposcopy, and after having Christians pray specifically that if something were there it would show up, Bingo!! We saw the "little ickies", as I call the lesions. They found a suspicious spot on my vagina.

March, 2004: Had cone biopsy/laser treatment. The pathology showed CIN II, no involvement in the vaginal wall, margins are all clear on the samples.

I have been lurking around these boards since December, and I have to applaud all of you. I have learned a TON, and have felt supported just by reading ya'll. I had posted a couple of questions and you all urged me to get a second opinion and talk to my doctor, and I'm so glad I did. Now we are waiting until May for the follow-up visit, and of course a follow-up pap smear, so I'll let you know how all this goes. All I can say is thank God for early detection.

And thank you all for the support. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and we have a great support group there, but possible cancer/hysterectomy SUCH a different issue.

Hugs,

Donna in Utah

So happy, Donna, that you moved from "lurking" to actually "participating". You're better off for it! Even though I can certainly appreciate that I'd rather not be a member of "this" club, I'm so, so glad it's here for me and have used it many times to my benefit!

Welcome, Donna! Glad you're graduating from lurker (although lurkers are always welcome, too) to a participating member.

I'm sure that many more ladies will be by to give you their experience with the kind of situation you're dealing with.

All the best--and yes, prayer does work, too!

Blessings.
Marlene

Hi donna,

Glad you stopped lurking and posted. There is so much strength, support, info and comfort on this board.